Type-writing machine.



Patented Nov. 26, |90I. J. CURB. v TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

(Application hd July 30, 1901.)

2` sheets-'sheet l.

(No Modal.)

lNvENTmR EES MAT-NEE.

H15 TTURNEY N0. 687.496. Patentd NOV. 26, I90I. J. CORR.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

(Application tiled July 30, 1901.)

2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

M/ITNEEEEE UNITED STATES `PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES CORR, OF JERSEY CITY, NEW'JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO UNION TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, OF JERSEY CITY, NEI/V JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.'

VSPECIFICATION forming' part of Letters Patent N o. 687,496, dated November 26, 1901.

Application filed July 30, 1901. Serial No. 70,222. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES CORR, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Jersey City, in the county of Hudson and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type-VVriting Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to type-writing malo chines, and more particularly tothe platen and platen-operating mechanism.

The object ofv the invention is to provide simple, strong, and effective mechanism for operatively connecting the platen to its linespacing mechanism and for disconnecting the platen therefrom at will, so that the platen may be freely rotated in either direction to fractional degrees of the space which the linespacing mechanism rotates the platen-in 2o other words, mechanism for feeding the platen predetermined line-space distances or forpermitting the platen to be fedto different distances than is permissable with the aid of the line-spacing mechanism, whereby the platen may be moved to bring any desired portion of the paper thereon to the printing-line position. Various instrumentalities have been heretofore devised for this purpose; but such structures themselves are more or less objectionable, and a further object of this invention is to overcome such objections.

To these and other ends, which will hereinafter appear, my invention consists in the features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully set forth, and

particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top view of sufficient number of parts of a type-writing machine to illustrate one form of device em- 4o bodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a detail view -of the right-hand end of the platen with part-s omitted, the view illustrating the engaging pawls in the disconnected position. Fig. 3 is a like view of the same, showing the engaging pawls in contact with their coperating surface. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the platen and its coperating line-spacing mechanism, the view being'taken on the line X X of Fig. l. Fig. 5 5o is a detail plan View of one means for forcing the pawls into engagement. Fig. 6 is a fragmentarylongitudinalsectionalView ofamodiiied form of construction embodying my invention, the section being taken centrally through the platen. Fig. 7 is a like view, with 55 parts omitted, of a further modification embodying my invention. Fig. 8 is a detail transverse sectional view of the operatingsleeve for the pawls employed in the construction illustrated inv Fig. 7, the section be- 6o in'g taken on the line y y of Fig. rZand looking in the direction of the arrow.

In the several views the same parts will be designated by the same numerals of reference.

The platen-carriage 1 moves upon the traverse-rod 2 and supports the rotatable platen 3, and it will be understood that this platencarriage may be of any suitable construction. The platen 3, as is frequently the case, may 7o be made of a central wooden core 4, which is surrounded by a rubber sheath 5, and a rod or shaft 6 may extend centrally through the platen and may rotate in suitable bearings 7 on the platen-carriage. The rod or shaft 6 75 has rigidly secured thereto at the left-hand end a hand-wheel 8, which is secured in place on the shaft by a screw SX, and connection may be made between the rod 6 and the platen 3 by a circular plate or head 9. (Shown in 8o dotted lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings.) This plate constitutes a portion of the sleeve 10, which is held in place upon the shaft by a screw 10X, and the plate itself is fastened to the wooden core by the screws 9X, so that the 85 hand-wheel S, the rod 6, and the platen are connected to rotate together.

At the right-hand end of the platen preferably is arranged a head 11, which may be secured in position by screws 12. Pivoted to 9o the head 11, as indicated at 13 13, are two oppositely-disposed engaging pawls 14, that are connected together by a contractile spring 15, which tends to maintaiuthem in the position indicated in Fig. 2 ofthe drawings and out of 95 engagement with their cooperating surface.

.It will be observed that the pivots 13 of these pawls extend parallel with the axis of rot-ation of the platen and that they take directly the strain or resistance exerted upon the 10J pawls and in a direct line with the pawls, as

is adapted to engage its cooperating surface 17, which is formed as a milled surface upon the interior of a ring 18, and when I refer herein to the pawls 14 positively engaging their cooperating surface and being forced into positive engagement I mean such an engagement as that just described as distinguished from a mere frictional engagement, though certain aspects of the invention do not require that this positive engagement shall be effected. This ring 18 is set looselyin a socket 19, formed in the head 11, and may be maintained against lateral displacement therein by a plate or head 18X, that bears against a shoulder on the ring 18. This plate 18X may be secured in place by headed screws 18, which pass through the plate and take in the screw-threaded openings in the head 11, thus preventing a lateral withdrawal of the ring 18 and preventing the admission of dust to the parts contained therein.

Each of the pawlsrcarries or has formed integral therewitha stiff spring 21, against which a spreader, cam, or wedge is adapted to bear. `I prefer to make. each spring 21 as anintegral part of its cooperating pawl, because by this means I providea simple,strong, and efficient device wherein the necessary strength of the spring may be embodied. This may be accomplished `bygsevering the body of the plate-like pawl throughout a portion of its length, so as to provide the spring 21, and at the same time a bearing may be formed at the base of the slitted portion or where the spring and pawl are connected for the Vreception of the pivot 13 vof the pawl. The spreader, cam, or wedge 22, which cooperates with the pawls, is formed on a movable sleeve 23, and in the constructions shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings this spreader or cam is formed on the end of the sleeve and is adapted to be forced between the springs 21 by a longitudinal movement of the sleeve, thus forcing the pawls into contact with their cooperating surface 17. In Figs. 1 t0 5, inclusive, longitudinal movement of the sleeve is imparted by a iinger-piece 24, which is pivoted at 25 to the platen-frame, and its movement to the operative position may be limited by a suitable pin or stop 24X. A pivot 25 carries a crank-pin 26, which extends into a circumferential groove 27 in the sleeve 23. By this construction it will be seen that when the finger-piece 24 is in the position represented in Fig. 5 of the drawings the sleeve will be withdrawn from between the springs 2l of the oppositely-disposed pawls 14 and the contractile spring 15 will withdraw the pawls from engagement with their cooperating surface and maintain them in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. When, however, the

iingenpiece 24 is moved to the position indicated in Figs. 1 and 4, the sleeve will be proost/,45e

jected toward the platen and between the springs 21 of the pawls 14, thus forcing the pawls to the position indicated at Fig. 3 of the drawings and with the noses 16 thereof in contact with the milled surface 17 of the ring 18. In this position of the parts it will be seen that the cylindrical portion of the sleeve, 23 is brought into contact with the springs 21, so that the pawls will'be maintained in the engaged position until the sleeve v is moved by its finger-piece in an opposite direction.

l' In the construction represented in Fig. 6 of the drawings an endwise movement of the sleeve with its spreader or cam is permitted by providing a pin-and-slot connection 28 29 between the rod 6 and the sleeve. This endwise movement of the sleeve toward and away from the platen is effective, as in the other structure described, to bring about the engagement and disengagement of the pawls 14, yet the pin-and-slot connection causes the rod and sleeve to rotate together. The righthand wheel 30-.is in this instance connected directly to the sleeve, and by pushing the hand-wheel to the dotted-line position. indicated in Fig. 6 the pawls will be moved from the disconnected position (represented in Fig. 2) to the engaged position (represented in Fig. 3.)

In the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8 the pawls are operated by a spreader, wedge, or cam formed on a sleeve 3l. The spreader in this instance is formed by cutting away a portion of the sleeve, at each side thereof, as indicated at 32. When this reduced 'or cutaway portion rests between the springs 21 of the pawls 14, the vpawls are permitted to assume the position indicated in Fig. 2. When, however, the sleeve has been turned to a position at right ang-les to that just described, the portions 33 of the sleeve which constitute the highest portions of the spreader or cam are brought into contact with the springs 21, thereby forcing them outwardly,together with the pawls, until the sharp nose 16 of each pawl `is brought into engagement withits coperating surface, and further movement of the sleeve forces the springs 21 against their tension, which tension is effective to maintain the pawls in engagement, without, however, injuring the milled surface or the coperating nose of each pawl. Vhen the parts are in the position represented in Fig. 8, which corresponds to the locked position, the highest portions 33 of the spreader will maintain the pawlsin engagement until the sleeve is turned by hand to a position at right angles to that represented in Fig. 8. In order to rotate the sleeve 31 in the manner described, I have provided an independent wheel 33X, which is connected to the sleeveby a screw 34 or in any other suitable manner, so that when this hand wheel 33X is rotated it turns the sleeve 31 to .bring about the results previously described.

IOO

IIO

6, as is the case in the construction shown in the other figures of the drawings. VThe righthand wheel is in every case connected to rotate with the rod 6 and the platen, whether it be rigidly secured thereto, as in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8, or be connected by a pin and slot, as indicated in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

The ring 18, which is provided on its interior with the milled-surface 17, constitutes a portion of the line-spacing mechanism of the platen, and said ring is providedon the outer edge with ratchet-teeth 36 for engagement with any suitable line-spacing pawl or device 36X, and a spring-pressed detent or retaining dog or roller 37 may likewise be employed to coperate with the teeth 36 on the ring to hold the platen against an accidental rotation of the platen. The pawl 36 may be actuated by a hand-shaft 36a.

When the line-spacing mechanism is in operative condition, the pawls 14 are in the locking engagement indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings.

The pawls 14 are normally maintained in the engaging position in the manner described, and the ring 18,with its ratchet-wheel 36, is locked'to the platen, and the rotary movement of one of these parts will cause a corresponding movement of the other, so that the ordinary line-spacing may be effected by an operation of the line spacing devices. When, however, the sleeve has been moved to a position where the pawls are free from the highest portion of the spreader, the spring 15 retracts the pawls to the position indicated in Fig. 2, thereby releasing the ring 18 from engagement with the pawls, and thus permitting the platen to be turned in either direction to any desired extent by the platen handwheel at either end of the platen.

By my invention it will be observed that I am enabled to provide a simple, strong, and efficient device for locking the ring 18, which constitutes a portion of the line-spacing mechanism, to the platen. If when the pawls 14 are in the engaged position (indicated in Fig. 3) the platen be rotated in the direction of the arrow by one of the hand-wheels 8, 30, or 35, as the case may be, a strain will be exerted by the right-hand pawl (illustrated in Fig. 3) to move the ring 18 with it in the direction of the arrow. This strain will be exerted in a direct line between the point of contact of the pawl with the milled surface 17 and the pivot 13 of this pawl. Thus the strain will be exerted directly upon the pivot and the latter will afford a resistance thereto. When a hand-wheel 8, 30, or 35 and its platen are moved in the opposite direction, a corresponding action takes place upon the other pawl 14. .A

By employing the stiff springs 21 as an intermediate bearing-surface between the pawls and the spreader, which constitutes a positively-operated element or means which forces the pawls into contact with the milled surface 17, an eiiicient device is provided, whereby the pawls are positively forced into and maintained in engagement, and at the same time a certain resiliency is afforded, which is de.- sirable and which maintains the pawls in effective engagement with the milled surface without injury to the pawls or the milled surface. Thus, for instance, should the point of one or both pawls be brought into contact with the elevations which constitute the` tions (represented in Figs. 2 and 3) are shown y exaggerated in size in order to clearly illustrate them.

In operation the engagement and disen gagement of the pawls are accomplished without the slightest movement being transmitted' to the platen. The fact that the milled surface 17 is made of such very fine corrugations renders the employment of a rigid pawl,which has no resiliency in its engagement with the milled surface, less effective than where the engagement is maintained partly by a springpressure, as in the present structure. This is due to the fact that theslightest wear or lost motion of the parts would render the nonresilient pawl, which necessarily has a given movement toward its engaging surface, ineiective to maintain an efficient engagement, Whereas when the engagement is maintained byspringpressure, as in the structure shown and described herein, an effective engagement of the parts is maintained irrespective of any Wear on or lost motion of the parts, because the springs will take up or compen sate for any such wear or lost motion.

While I have referred herein to the use of two pawls 14, it should be understood that one, two, or more such pawls may be employed. I prefer, however, to employ at least two pawls, because in the event of a single one being used the platenrcan be rotated in but one direction. VhIe I have shown and described the surface 17 as a milled surface, because thereby the ring may be much more finely subdivided into depressions and elevations or teeth and spaces than can possibly be obtained by cutting ratchet-teeth on a ring, (as has been done heretofore,) and hence more uniformity in the spacing between the lines will result from my present construction than by those previously existing, for the reason that there is practically an immediate engagement between the pawls and the ring without appreciable lost motion of the platen when the spreader or actuator is returned to normal position, nevertheless, in so far as some of the features of myinvention are concerned, ratchet-cut rings or engaging surfaces ICO IIO

other thanmilled surfaces may be employed without departing from my invention. Inso t far as vanother feature of myinvention is con-v cerned the springs 2l may be omitted and the sleeve or spreader caused to bear directly on the pawls 1,4 instead of through the springs.y

Various kother changes may also be made without departing from the spirit of my ininterposed between said positively-moved element and the pawl or pawls to effect an engagement of the pawl or pawls with the milled surface by the pressure exerted .by said positively-moved element.

2. Inatype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances, and means for opera- V tivelyconnecting the linespacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from the platenat will, said connectingmeans comprising one or more pivoted pawls, the pivot or pivots of which are parallel with the. axis of the platen, a milled surface with whichV the pawl or pawls are adapted to positively engage, a positivelymoved element, a spring or springs vinterposed between said positively-moved element and the pawl or pawls to effect an engagement of the pawl or pawls with the milled` surface by the pressure exerted by the` positively-moved element.

3. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, hand-wheels which are con-l nected to rotate at all times with the platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances and means independent of the handwheels, for operatively connecting the linespacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from-the platen at will, said connecting means comprising one or more pawls, a milled surface with which the pawl or pawls are adapted to positively engage, a positively-moved .element, a spring or springs interposed between said positively-moved element and thev pawly or pawls, to eect an engagement of the same with the milled surface by the pressure eX- ertedby said positively-moved element.

4. In a type-Writing machine, the combination of a platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances and means for operatively connecting the line-spacing mechanism i to or disconnecting it from the platen at will, y said. connecting means comprising pivoted pawls, a milled surface with which said pawls. are adapted to `positively engage, the resistance exerted by one of said parts upon the other being taken up by thepivo'ty of one of said pawlsin a direct line with thepawl and between t-he point of engagement thereof and its pivot and positively-operated means which are adapted to bear against said pawls and to force them into positive engagement with the milled surface.

5. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances and means for operatively connecting the line-spacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from the platen at will, said connecting means comprising pivoted pawls, a milled surface with which said pawls are adapted to positively engage, the resistance exerted by one of said parts upon the other being-,taken up by the pivot of one of said pawls in a direct line withthe pawl and between the point of engagement thereof and its pivot, positively-operated means which are adapted to bear against said pawls to force them` into positive engagement with the milled surface, and means for maintaining partsV in. either the connected or disconnected posi-tion.

6. In a type-.writing machine, the .combination of a platen, hand-wheels which'are connected torota-te at all times with the platen, means for rotating said platenline-space distances `and means independent of the hand-` wheels for operatively connecting4 the linespacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from the platen at will, said connecting means comprising pivoted pawls, a milled surface withv which said pawls are adapted to posi-V tively engage, theresistance exerted by one of said parts. upon the other being taken up by the pivot of kone of said pawls in a direct line between the point of engagement of said pawl and its pivot, positively-operated means which are adapted to engagev said pawls and to force them into positive engagement with the .milled surface.

7. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, means for rotating the platen line-space distances and means for positively connecting the line-spacing mechanism to or .disconnecting it from the platen at will, said connecting means comprising pivoted pawls, aspring carried by each of said pawls, a'milled surface with which said pawls are adapted to Apositively engage and positively-operated means which are adapted to bear against the springs on said pawls to force them into positive engagement with the milled surface.

8. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a sleeve movable on said rod, a spreader on said sleeve, pawls which are moved into and may be maintained in the engaging position byv said spreader and an engaging surface with which said pawls coperate.

9. In a type-Writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a sleeve movable on said rod, 4a spreader on the sleeve, pivotedpawls, resistance exerted IOO upon any one of which will be taken up by its pivot in a direct line with the pawls and between the point of engagement thereof and its pivot, means for moving the sleeve and the spreader thereon to force the pawls to the engaging position, and an engaging surface with which the pawls coperate.

10. In a type-Writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a sleeve movable on said rod, a spreader carried by said sleeve, a spring carried by each of said pawls and against which springs the spreader is adapted to bear to move the pawls into the engaging position and an engaging surface with which said pawls coperate.

11. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a sleeve movable on said rod, a spreader on said sleeve, pawls which are moved into the engaged position by the spreader on the sleeve,

an internally-milled ratchet-carrying ring with Which the pawls coperate, means for moving said spreader to force the pawls into the locking position, and a spring for moving said pawls from the locking position.

l2. In a type-Writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a hand-wheel on each end of the platen and secured to rotate with the rod and platen, a sleeve which surrounds and is movable independently of said rod, a spreader carried on said sleeve, engaging pawls which are pivoted to the platen-head, a spring which unites said pawls and tends to maintain them out of locking position, an engaging surface with which said pawls cooperate, and means for moving said spreader to force the pawls into the locking position.

13. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a hand-Wheel at each end of the platen and secured to rotate with the rod and the platen, a sleeve which surrounds and is movable independently of said rod, a spreader carried on said sleeve, oppositely-disposed pawls which are pivoted to the platen-head, the pivots of said pawls being parallel to the axis of the platen, a spring which unites said pawls and tends to maintain them out of locking position, an internally-milled ring with the milled surfaces of which said pawls cooperate, and means for moving said spreader to force the pawls into locking position and for maintaining them in such position.

14. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a central rod secured thereto, a hand-wheel at each end of the platen and secured to rotate with the rod and platen, a sleeve which surrounds and is movable independently of said rod, a spreader carried by said sleeve, a plurality of pawls, a spring carried by each of said pawls and against which the spreader on the sleeve is adapted to bear, a spring which unites said pawls and tends to maintain them out of locking position, an engaging surface with which said pawls cooperate, and means for moving said sleeve with its spreader to force the pawls into the locking position.

15. In atype-Writing machine, the combination of aplaten, a central rod secured thereto, a hand-wheel at each end of the platen and secured to rotate with the rod and platen, a sleeve which surrounds and is movable independently of said rod, a spreader carried by said sleeve, a plurality of pawls, a spring carried to each of said pawls and against which `the cam on the sleeve is adapted to bear, the pivots of said pawls being parallel to the axis of the' platen, a spring which unites said pawls and tends to maintain them out of locking position, an internally-milled ring with the milled surfaces of which said pawls coperate, means for moving said sleeve and the spreader to force the pawls into the'locking position and for maintaining them in such position.

` 16. In a type-writing machine, the combination'of a platen, spring-united engaging pawls which are operative to make positive connection between the platen and its line-spacing mechanism, and positively-operated means which cooperate with said pawls to force them into contact with their coperating surfaces.

17. In a type-writing machine,the combination of a platen, spring-united engaging pawls Whichare operative to make positiveconnection between the platen and its line-spacing mechanism, a spring carried by'each of said pawls, positively-operated means which cooperate with the springs of said pawls to force the pawls into contact with their cooperating surfaces.

18. In a type-Writing machine,the combination of a platen, spring-united engaging pivoted pawls which are operative to make positive connection between the platen and its 1inespacing mechanism, the pivots of said `pawls being parallel to the axis of the platen, a spring carried by each of said pawls and positively-operated means which coperate with the springs of said pawls to force the pawls into contact with their coperating snrfaces and to maintain them in such contact.

19. In a type-Writing machine,the combination of a platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances, means for loperatively connecting said line-spacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from the platen at will, said connecting means comprising an engaging pawl which has a spring formed integral therewith, means for moving said pawl into and out of the engaging position,and an engaging surface with which said pawl cooperates.

20. In atype-writing machine, the combination of a platen, means for rotating said platen line-space distances, means for operatively connecting said line-spacing mechanism to or disconnecting it from the platen at will, said connecting means comprising an engaging pawl, a bearing-spring formed integral therewith, and a pivot-bearing formed at the point of connection between said spring and ICI) IIO

22. In a type-Writing machine, the combination of a platen, a toothed ring, a pair of pawls,

means for forcing said pawls into engagement with said toothed ring, and thereby connecting the latter with the platen, and springs interposed between said means and said pawls 4for cansin g the latter to maint-ain their engagement under spring-pressure.

23. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a platen, a platen-head,aline-spacing ring having a toothed surface, a pair of pawls attached to said head, means inserted between said pawls to maintain them in engagement with said toot-hed surface, and a spring connecting said pawls and adapted to move them ont of engagement with said surface upon the withdrawal of the means for causing such en- Signedat the borough of Manhattan, city of New York, in the county of New York` and State of New York, this 22d day of July, A. D. 1901.

JAMES CORR.

Witnesses:

CHARLES E. SMITH, E. M. WELLS. 

